Jordan Times
Monday, October 29, 2007
UN Global Compact to be launched today
AMMAN (JT) - UNDP is launching the UN Global Compact today under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania.
The Global Compact, started by then-UN secretary feneral Kofi Annan in 2000, seeks to promote corporate social responsibility so businesses can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalisation.
In signing the Global Compact, members of the private sector commit to adhering to 10 Global Compact principles, which involve upholding human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption standards in their business operations.
Jordan is one of the first Arab countries to embrace the Global Compact, with several companies registered as signatories, according to a UNDP statement.
Queen Rania is supporting the launch of the Global Contract in Jordan, in order to encourage Jordanians to embrace civic duties and to try to create a culture of volunteerism in the Kingdom and beyond.
More Jordanian companies are expected to become members of the Global compact once the programme is officially launched in the Kingdom.
Once they have signed the Compact, businesses will have an international platform on which to exchange experiences on issues of importance.
The launching ceremony will include statements by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al-Ali, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative. Luc Stevens and Talal Abu Ghazaleh, who was appointed deputy chairman of the UN Global Compact in April 2007.
The Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate responsibility initiative, was launched with the aim of having businesses work in conjunction with UN agencies, trade unions, civil society and governments to promote universal rights and fight against corruption.
With the participation of more than 3,800 companies from over 100 countries, the Global Compact has more than 50 networks at the national and regional levels.